Hamish McLennan joins Rugby Australia Board

Rugby Australia has today announced the appointment of Hamish McLennan as a Director and Chairman-elect, to be welcomed officially on to the Board at its June 15 meeting.

McLennan’s appointment is a part of Rugby Australia’s ongoing Board renewal and succession planning process.

McLennan chairs several ASX-listed companies including REA Group, a multibillion-dollar global advertising real estate company; HT&E, the parent company of FM radio group Australian Radio Network (ARN) with houses such brands as KiisFM and GoldFM, and is Deputy Chairman of Magellan Financial Group, a globally focused equity fund with approximately $100 billion worth of investments under management.

His former corporate roles include CEO, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of free-to-air television Network Ten and Executive Vice President, Office of the Chairman at News Corp.

During his time at Network Ten, he negotiated the Big Bash League rights and prior to that McLennan was Global Chairman and CEO of iconic communications firm Young and Rubicam in New York.

Rugby Australia Chairman, Paul McLean said the appointment of McLennan is a critical factor in the transition to new stable leadership for Rugby Australia and the game.

“Hamish’s appointment marks a new era as we reset Rugby Australia and our game with a focus on the future,” McLean said.

“He brings exceptional commercial skills and experience in leading some of the largest and most successful businesses in the country.

“Hamish is also a lifelong Rugby man and is passionate about uniting the game and bringing all of its diverse and enthusiastic stakeholders together to drive the game forward. McLean said McLennan’s appointment comes at a crucial time with the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“His immediate focus with the Board is on ensuring the game navigates the next few months while reshaping the Rugby economy for a sustainable future to ensure the game remains healthy and strong at the community level,” McLean said.

Rugby Australia’s Board and executive leadership are working on a strategy to transform the
game and its governance model to ensure all parts of the rugby community can thrive.

Incoming Rugby Australia Director, Hamish McLennan said he will be working with the Board
and all stakeholders to create positive change in the game.

“I am looking forward to working with the Board to rebuild trust across the Rugby community, in
particular the grassroots game, to our Member Unions and the professional code and I am
encouraged by the positive signs of collaboration,” McLennan said.

“Rugby has a deep heritage and strong community support in Australia, and everyone wants to
see our Wallabies consistently win again. I think the Rugby World Cup bid for 2027 creates an
enormous opportunity for the country.”